NatCen Names Head of Public Attitudes

London-based not-for-profit research organisation NatCen has appointed Roger Harding as Head of Public Attitudes.

NatCen focuses on social research to help government and charities understand social behaviour and inform policy. Harding (pictured) joins after three and a half years as Director of Communications, Policy and Campaigns at homelessness charity Shelter, where he worked for seven years, and previously served as Head of Policy, Research and Public Affairs. Prior to this, he worked for social research charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, in a role which spanned corporate influencing strategy, leading policy and research work and grant programmes, and acting as a media spokesperson for the organisation. Earlier, he was a Senior Associate at public affairs and communications specialist Cicero Consulting.

In his new role, Harding will lead new efforts to open up NatCen's insights into Britain's values and beliefs to policymakers, advocates and active citizens; while leading work to secure new projects. CEO Guy Goodwin comments: 'Bringing Roger on board is integral to our efforts to use our in-depth understanding of public attitudes to deliver even greater impact on the key issues facing the country. Roger brings a rare mix of strong communications and policy experience combined with a long track record of using public insight to make change happen'.

Web site: www.natcen.ac.uk .